Barcelona regret Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas decision

Barcelona have expressed their disappointment at Cesc Fabregas' decision to stay at Arsenal for at least one more season.

The Spain international finally ended speculation about his future by releasing an official statement on Friday that confirmed he had no intention of leaving the Emirates Stadium.

Barcelona then issued a press release of their own, which read:"In the light of the statement released regarding the contractual future of Cesc Fabregas, Barcelona regrets the decision of Arsenal to declare the player not for sale and their decision not to take into consideration the offers proposed.

"None of those offers, in any way, exceeded Euros 40million."

The 23-year-old has been the subject of a persistent campaign from Barca players and officials to try and tempt him back to the Camp Nou, despite Gunners boss Arsene Wenger insisting that no deal would be done.

Fabregas told the club's official website:"Firstly I would like to apologise to all the Arsenal fans for not speaking sooner about my future, but I have not known what I was going to do until this moment.

"I cannot deny that joining a club like Barcelona was not an attractive move for me.

"This was the club where I learned my football, it is my home town where my friends and family are and a club where I have always dreamed of playing.

"There are not many players in the world who would not want to play for Barcelona.

"I have had many conversations with Arsene Wenger both in person and over the phone over the last few months and although the content of those conversations will remain private, the conclusion is that Barcelona have had two formal offers rejected by Arsenal.

"I am a professional and I fully understand that it is Arsenal's prerogative not to sell me.

"I owe a lot to the club, manager and the fans and I will respect their decision and will now concentrate on the new season ahead with Arsenal.

"I can assure all the fans that now the negotiations have ended I will be 100 per cent focused on playing for Arsenal.

"I am an Arsenal player and as soon as I step out on to the pitch, that is the only club I will be thinking about.

"I am looking forward to the start of the season and putting this speculation behind me."